The best cafes in Waukesha

9 cafes we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Cafes · 9 places · showing the latest additions first

Forward Craft & Coffee

Cafes

Craft beer and coffee are offered at this laid-back joint that's popular with freelancers.

2166 Atwood Ave (Madison)

“Craft beer and coffee are offered at this laid-back joint that's popular with freelancers.”

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Broken Board Coffee

Cafes

Specialty coffee is served at this casual cafe located inside Focus Boardshop.

2358 E Springs Dr (Madison)

“Specialty coffee is served at this casual cafe located inside Focus Boardshop.”

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Midwest Sad

Cafes

Midwest Sad is a community-minded cafe and bakery channeling Midwest nostalgia into sweets and snacks, from pastries and nostalgic bakes to…

601 S 6th St (Milwaukee) · ✓ checked Jul 31

“Midwest Sad is a community-minded cafe and bakery channeling Midwest nostalgia into sweets and snacks, from pastries and nostalgic bakes to deli-style daytime bites with good coffee. Swing by this week when you need something that tastes like childhood and pairs nicely with whatever mood you brought.”

From the Milwaukee newsletter, August 3, 2026

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The Steaming Cup

Cafes

Warm hangout serving coffee, sandwiches & pastries in a sunny, upbeat corner space with local art.

340 W Main St

“Warm hangout serving coffee, sandwiches & pastries in a sunny, upbeat corner space with local art.”

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Marigold Kitchen

Cafes

Bright, counter-serve eatery featuring creative breakfast & lunch fare plus outdoor seating.

118 S Pinckney St (Madison)

“Bright, counter-serve eatery featuring creative breakfast & lunch fare plus outdoor seating.”

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Lazy Jane's Cafe and Bakery

Cafes

Quirky, cash-only, counter-serve American spot for breakfast & lunch fare plus signature scones.

1358 Williamson St (Madison)

“Quirky, cash-only, counter-serve American spot for breakfast & lunch fare plus signature scones.”

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Java Cat Coffee House

Cafes

Coffeehouse with a feline theme & WiFi serving java, homemade gelato, breakfast fare & baked goods.

4221 Lien Rd (Madison)

“Coffeehouse with a feline theme & WiFi serving java, homemade gelato, breakfast fare & baked goods.”

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Waukesha Cafe House

Cafes

Relaxed cafe featuring housemade eats such as wraps, sandwiches and sweets, plus coffee.

410 Wisconsin Ave

“Relaxed cafe featuring housemade eats such as wraps, sandwiches and sweets, plus coffee.”

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Sip & Purr Cat Café

Cafes

Cafe offering hot and cold drinks, baked eats and gluten-free options, along with adoptable cats.

833 E Brady St (Milwaukee)

“Cafe offering hot and cold drinks, baked eats and gluten-free options, along with adoptable cats.”

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